Stylish with Substance

To not let Fashion define me, but to make my personal style show off my personal definitions. I will be well-rounded and above all, loveable.

Some new people in my life don't love the moi that is "Ella Mode", etc. That is a big part of me, but it is not me. Sure, these people should go shut up and mind their own businesses, but whatever their issues, these people are now permanant in my life. They can't see beyond this pretty (I say) part of me because they cannot understand this type of woman.

No apologies from me! I am a normal woman. I'm not the one with the problem.

However there are parts of me that I do want to bring as much to the forefront as my love for style, like my love for animals. Truthfully, the "Ella Mode" in me causes a few issues here and there in my romantic relationship, so I know I can't let my life revolve around these obsessions and addictions - the addiction is harmful to me personally and potentially both of us financially.

Even though right now, Geek Chic moi is sort of obsessed with simulation city games, but I've set it up to be a cheap hobby. One that takes focus from thinking about shopping, and gives me back some pleasure and reward I lack from not shopping. (You know human psychology and shopping!!!) I'm not even counting down the days 'til my next paycheck and I have my playing time spent in check too!

This is one of my interests change phases, just like my personal style goes through slight changes every few months. I'm trying to think of dressing less fancy sometimes, less designer or less... Hmmm. Arm crook handbag, all fabulista kind of thang? Yeah. I have a new classic COACH crossbody with vintage sensibilities, and I love that it looks laid back but does not shy from its COACH quality. (Oh and by the way, it was a $35 find at an antique mall - even though not vintage, what a score.)

I won't be someone who will swear off expensive bags, and I won't be someone who buys pleather handbags. Never should one apologize for hating on the pleather!! Fake-leather purses fall apart so fast, whereas the shoes seem to last just fine. Leather shoes are better and healthier for feet, but budget will dictate. And a girl, this girl?, needs more new shoes than new bags. Still, there's a moretorium on spending, especially with clothes, not so much with home goods and beauty supplies.

Now as for the shoes I will wear; I love heels.  They make me happy. No apologies here, why should there be? These are my feet, no one else's. And I take care of my feet. All shoes will have arch supports and Foot Petals. Some people just can't understand how comfortable heels can be made to feel!

Still I wear them too much in unsuitable places because I don't live a "heels" lifestyle. I vow to not wear heels to the grocery store or any long shopping trips, but I love all my cute shoes and need to use 'em. That said, I also vow to try to focus on slightly more sensible, chic sandals this summer. Mostly one go-to pair that is the best mix of chic with wearability.

Still, as usual. No sweats to the grocery store, etc. Don't worry, I could never be too casual a girl. Jeans and a basic tee? On my man, not me, give me a belt and some pizazz - but when I get home it's pajama time. There's even a song for it, but I digress. I always have "outfits" just like Carrie Bradshaw. However, when I'm sick enough, sweats to the drugstore, all the way - but only there and back. Don't like it? Someday, if I'm rich enough, it'll be "Armani" sweats or at least Juicy Couture. Do you like that better? I don't care, I'll be fluish, anyway!!

Bottom line, I will be me. Not a label. Not a slave. Not an image. Not someone else's idea of a woman, wife, etc. A complicated, imperfect, lovely person who always looks good, and never looks as fat as she really is naked, although I love myself naked too, and often looks a little bit taller than the height chart reads - just a little bit - because I love what I am.

So there. I just keep this vow to myself quietly and to the blog. To always be not only the girly-girl (last time I checked I am female, why not be girly) but the guy's girl I am to only those who know me best. I think love lasts healthier this way. Just watch 1990's Troop Beverly Hills for an example. There, you have fun homework. Now if you want to, you might be inspired to work on some aspect of yourself - but most importantly, live an "I'm not sorry" life!

Read the news updates here (Indiana paper) and here (pink news).

This leads me to ponder a possible great discussion on gender preferences in formal or even cocktail attire and sometimes switching roles all or in part - whatever the sexual preference. Can this be cool for straight chicks, too?

I found a tuxedo-inspired light blue number when looking for a wedding-guest cocktail dress, and fell in love with the concept, and went on to plan and start making even further-tux-inspred accessories. They're really fun and cute, I'm loving it.

But of course, my look includes a dress, a purse, jewelry, and this comfortable-shoe gal is even wearing heels - I'm altering heels with very girly bows (and to hopefully be a lot more comfy!).

Would you be into more masculine looks for chicks or even yourself? Is it just cool for lesbians, or does anything go today?

Back to the story, my thoughts on when tuxedos (or any non-gowns) were banned in this school for the female students:

1. This was entirely an anti-gay decision. It was not a dress code matter only. Not only are the people who were involved in the code homophobic but they aren't comfortable with any gender crossing or neutrality because it reminds them of their phobia object.

2. The fear is ridiculous and this perfectly pleasant attire, or most clothing, doesn't hurt anyone. Even Christians who try to deny homosexuality in people or themselves, should they deny their alternative personal/individual style?!

Ella's all about individual style! These educators (the ones who decided on the original ban) are totally unfabulista/os!